updated 07:50 am EDT, Thu August 22, 2013

Verizon debuts LG Enact 4G QWERTY slider phone

Verizon has launched the LG Enact Android-based slider phone on its 4G LTE network. The entry-level smartphone centers on a 4-inch 800x400 multitouch display, but offers users the ability type on a 5-line physical QWERTY keyboard where required. The LG Enact would normally retail for $350, but Verizon is offering it for $20 upfront on a two-year plan.

To help users unfamiliar with the Android operating system, the LG Enact has a Starter Mode that simplifies the UI, or users can opt to move directly into the Standard Mode. For users who prefer physical keyboards, the LG Enact incorporates Android function keys on the keypad, while its fifth row also includes numbers so users aren't forced to press the ALT key to access them. LG has also made keypad more accurate with a "click" feedback feature that should help reduce typos.

Although the device is billed as an entry-level model, it is still capable of running LG's QSlide 2.0 functionality, which allows users to run two apps side by side simultaneously. It also incorporates LG's Q Translator that allows users to use the camera on the Enact to scan and translate 44 languages. The LG Enact is powered by a dual-core Qualcomm Snadragon chip clocked at 1.2GHz, while it also incorporates 8GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD cards up to 64GB. Its large 2460mAh battery is also user replaceable and removable, while it ships with Android 4.1.2 'Jelly Bean' on board.